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I originally wondered why the Criterion Collection would choose to release this documentary. I knew that Herzog was a cinematic titan, and that the filming of Fitzcarraldo was supposedly a journey of it's own, and I even believed that the filming of a 30 ton ship being hoisted over a mountain deserved a documentary, but why would a prestigious DVD house choose to release this among the likes of Rashomon, The 400 Blows, Band of Outsiders, etc. After watching this film, it becomes very evident as to why Burden of Dreams deserves the criterion treatment. Les Blank's film does a better job of portraying the insanity and spirit of Fitzcarraldo than the film itself. The similarities between the character Fitzcarraldo and Herzog himself are endless. Despite Blank's poetic filming of the amazon jungle, despite all of the conflicts the cast and natives encounter, and despite the brilliant documentary footage displayed, the heart of this film is the the essence of cinema. This movie is about film-making and the art of it; it's passion, it's plight, it's entirety. When Herzog closes the film by stating, "It's not only my dreams, it's my belief that they are your's as well, and the only distinction between me and you is that I can articulate. and that is what poetry or literature or film-making is all about. it's as simple as that. I make films because I have not learned anything else. and I know I can do it to a certain degree. and it is my duty, because this might be the inner chronicle of what we are, and we have to articulate ourselves, otherwise we would be cows in the field." You truly begin to understand this man, and this film, and cinema itself. Strongly recommended!

I have to say this was a wonderful film and does a pretty faithful depiction of the original text. (the few times it strays are plot motivated, and work well) Brad Pitt turns in a top notch performance, as does Eric Bana. Sean Beam and Brian Cox consistently provide terrific performances as well. Peter O' Toole also gives an incredible performance and one of the best portrayals of a king I have ever seen. The major disappointment I have is the terrible job the director of photography did in this movie. Not just are many of his shots unmotivated, but some are just downright awkward and even hurt the feel of the film. I have certainly heard of the Dir. of Photography having a hand in the success of a film, but this is the first time I have seen one hurt a picture. I also question the directing in general; anybody can make a great epic from such a great text, and David Benioff wrote a terrific screenplay. It seems that Wolfgang Peterson might've had his work cut out for him, especially with such a strong cast. The auteuring here relies upon the story and the actors who portray it, and that maybe works for the better.

I am embarrassed to say that the first time I viewed this movie, I didn't find it very entertaining. Thankfully I chose to give it a 2nd viewing and am baffled at how I didn't recognize the brilliance of Napolean Dynamite. This is a terrific film and an impressive debut(quasi-debut) for Jared Hess. Interestingly enough, I found a lot of similarities to this film and Bottle Rocket, formally and contextually. I can only hope that with experience and bigger budgets; Hess's career will bloom like that of Wes Anderson's, who may I add is a god amongst men. I will agree with others that the humor here is certainly an acquired taste, but for those of you who were untouched by this film the first time around, i'd strongly recommend a second chance. 8.2/10